All About Santa Lucia Parade in Copenhagen 2025 (Lucia I Kajak)

Looking to experience the Santa Lucia Kayak Parade in Copenhagen?

The unique Danish tradition of the Santa Lucia parade takes place at Tivoli Gardens and in Copenhagen canals. But what makes St Lucia Day so special, and how can you experience it as a foreigner or visitor?

I’ve experienced the Santa Lucia parade in Denmark firsthand for many consecutive years, and I know exactly where to find the best celebrations and events.

Having lived here, I can offer you the best insights on how to enjoy it like a local.

Ready to experience St Lucia Day celebrations? Let’s dive into it!

Who is Saint Lucia?

Saint Lucia was a Christian martyr from Sicily. She is known for her devotion to Christianity and her resistance to pagan practices during Roman rule in the 4th century.

Legends say that she wore a crown of candles on her head to light the passageway as she secretly brought food to Christians hiding in the catacombs.

She was punished and eventually killed for her strong beliefs in Christianity.

Over the centuries, the celebration of Saint Lucia’s Day has become popular in Nordic countries. Given that the holiday falls during harsh winters, the Saint Lucia tradition symbolizes the return of light amidst the long winter nights.

When is Saint Lucia Day Celebrated in Copenhagen?

Every year, on December 13th, St Lucia Day is celebrated in Copenhagen.

How is the Copenhagen Santa Lucia Parade Celebrated?

Santa Lucia parade first started in Sweden and spread to Denmark in 1944.

In Danish traditions, the Santa Lucia parade is the procession of young girls dressed in white robes, with a red ribbon on their waist. The lead girl or Saint Lucia wears a crown of candles while the other girls following her hold candles in their hands. They walk through the streets, singing the traditional Santa Lucia song. 

Many churches, hospitals, and schools celebrate St Lucia Day in Copenhagen. The event holds a special place for many and is an important event of their December festivities.

Although Denmark is predominantly secular today, many Danish Christmas traditions still have strong ties to Christian history. Santa Lucia Day is no exception.

For Danes, the day is less about religion and more about celebrating light, community, and togetherness.

What is the Santa Lucia Parade?

Two significant processions called the Santa Lucia parade take place in Denmark – one at the Tivoli Gardens and the other at the canals of Copenhagen (Lucia I Kajak or Lucia in Kayak). Several locals and tourists gather to witness the traditional event.

Santa Lucia Parade at Tivoli Gardens

Santa Lucia Parade at Tivoli Gardens starts at 17:30 on December 13th. The candlelit procession starts at the Swing Carousel, passes through the gardens and ends near Little Tivoli.

The Tivoli Gardens parade is the largest in the country. Hundreds of girls holding candles take part in the traditional procession every year. It was delightful to watch the girls singing the carols and marching forward in unison inside the Tivoli Gardens.

The parade is free to watch with the Tivoli entrance ticket.

Santa Lucia Parade in Copenhagen Canals (Lucia I Kajak)

Lucia I Kajak (Lucia in Kayak) or the Santa Lucia Kayak Parade is a unique celebration in Copenhagen canals.

Every year on Saint Lucia Day, about 400-500 kayakers decorate their kayaks with sparkling lights and garlands.

The kayak parade in Copenhagen starts at the Kayak Republic/ Kayak Bar at 17:00 and goes via Nyhavn, Christianshavn, Blox, and Højbro Plads, and ends where it began. The entire parade lasts about 2 hours and ends at 18:45 or 19:00.

The kayakers will stop and sing Santa Lucia songs at the following five locations.

• 17:15 – Nyhavn
• 17:45 – Christianshavn
• 18:10 – BLOX
• 18:30 – Højbro Plads
• 18:45 – Kayak Republic and Kayak Bar

They create a floating river of light through the Copenhagen canals. The reflection of light on the water makes the experience special in its own way.

The combination of the historic harbour, colourful lights, and the beautiful Lucia procession is unforgettable and a much-loved highlight of the Copenhagen St. Lucia celebrations.

Arrive early to secure a good spot at Nyhavn or Christianshavn. The event attracts a huge crowd to watch the illuminated kayaks gliding through the water.

To join the kayakers with Lucia, you need to book in advance.

Swimming Santa Lucia Parade in Nordhavn

In Sandkaj Nordhavn, the Swimming Santa Lucia Parade has been taking place since 2020. Instead of kayakers like in Nyhavn, brave winter swimmers light up the harbour as they swim through the icy harbour waters.

They wear glowing lights, sing Saint Lucia songs, and create a magical light across the dark canal. It’s pure Nordic Christmas spirit, and I admire their courage!

The 2025 edition takes place on Saturday, 13 December, at Sandkaj Havnebad.

Arrive at 18:00 for Christmas cakes and mulled wine at Göteborg Plads, and at around 19:00, the swimmers begin their 10-minute illuminated parade.

Participation is free, and anyone (both male and female) can join as a “Lucia bride”—just be prepared for the cold and stay in the water for up to 15 minutes.

This event is simply Nordic and unforgettable. If you’d like to swim, contact the organizers through their Facebook event page.

Watch the Big Lucia Show on Ice at Broens

For a truly magical Lucia Day experience in Copenhagen, head to Broens Ice Rink for the Big Lucia Show on Ice. Every year, plenty of locals come together to watch this event.

At 17:00, the talented skaters from Tårnby Skøjteklub take over the rink with a stunning Lucia procession and an impressive ice skating performance.

From 15:00 to 16:00, you can also join a free workshop to make your own Lucia flower crown, guided by RHODflowers.

The skating rink closes from 16:30 to 17:30 to prepare for the performance, so plan to arrive early and soak in the atmosphere.

Read Next: Where are the Copenhagen Christmas markets located?

Final Thoughts: St. Lucia Day and Santa Lucia Parade in Copenhagen

The Santa Lucia parade in Copenhagen is a celebration of light, warmth, and the festive community spirit that defines Danish culture.

In this article, we also dive into the meaning behind Santa Lucia Day, how it’s celebrated in Copenhagen, and the best places to experience it around the city.

First, enjoy the Lucia show on ice at Broens, and then head over to watch the Lucia kayak parade in Copenhagen or Tivoli. Later, join the Lucia swimmers for a perfectly wholesome day. The next day, attend the Lucia concert at the Copenhagen Swedish Church.

If you’re visiting Copenhagen in December, you cannot miss the Santa Lucia Parade at Tivoli Gardens and the Lucia Kayak Parade in the Copenhagen canals.

Looking for more things to do in Copenhagen? You should check out the must-do Christmas activities in Denmark.